A Phase 2 interventional study of MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream and Plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream in Acne, sponsored by Shenzhen People's Hospital. Recruiting at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 33 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-06.
Sponsored by Shenzhen People's Hospital · Phase 2, Interventional, and Treatment
A growing body of evidence suggests that the development and progression of acne are closely linked to an imbalance in the skin's microbial community. Compared to healthy skin, the composition and function of the microbiota in acne lesions are significantly altered. This microbial imbalance is believed to drive the formation and recurrence of acne through mechanisms such as triggering abnormal inflammatory responses and compromising the skin barrier.
An in-depth exploration of the interaction between acne and the skin microbiome not only offers new perspectives for understanding the root causes of the disease but also lays the groundwork for developing novel treatment strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota. Therefore, identifying innovative approaches that integrate acne treatment with the regulation of microbial balance holds significant clinical and social value.
Although existing acne treatments have made progress, research focusing on interventions that regulate the local skin microecology through probiotics remains relatively limited. This study aims to explore a new strategy based on skin microecological modulation. Investigators are using a common probiotic-Lactobacillus reuteri-and applying an engineering modification with a special coating formed by zinc sulfate and tannic acid (MPN coating). This modification is intended to enhance the bacterium's survival and colonization on the skin, thereby more effectively regulating the local microbiota and reducing inflammation.
This study is a rigorous scientific clinical trial designed as randomized, double-blind, and controlled. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, receiving either the engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream, the plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream, a simple moisturizing cream (placebo), or an already-marketed effective cream (tretinoin cream). The treatment will last for 2 weeks, followed by an 8-week observation period. Efficacy and safety will be evaluated through professional assessments.
Our goal is to scientifically evaluate the safety and efficacy of this new therapy, hoping to provide a potential new treatment option for individuals with acne and explore new pathways for improving skin health.
790 studies on the registry are indexed under Acne Vulgaris; 93 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 196 is above the median of 70 across 672 interventional studies indexed under Acne Vulgaris.
Browse Acne Vulgaris studies →Shenzhen People's Hospital is the lead sponsor of 63 studies on the registry; 7 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Apply the MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream to acne lesions once daily for 2 weeks.
Biological: MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream
Apply the 0.1% tretinoin cream to acne lesions once daily for 2 weeks.
Drug: Tretinoin cream 0.1%
Apply the petrolatum-glycerin cream to acne lesions once daily for 2 weeks.
Drug: Petrolatum-glycerin cream
Apply the plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream to acne lesions once daily for 2 weeks.
Biological: Plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream
Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of MPN-coated engineered Lactobacillus reuteri cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.
Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of plain Lactobacillus reuteri cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.
Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of petrolatum-glycerin cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.
Each night before bedtime, after washing the face, an appropriate amount of 0.1% tretinoin cream should be applied topically to acne lesions using a sterile cotton swab. The area should not be washed immediately after application. Normal face washing can be resumed the following morning. This regimen should be continued for 2 weeks.
Percentage change in acne count at Week 8 relative to the baseline.
Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in acne count at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Acne count at Week 8 - Acne count at baseline) / Acne count at baseline × 100%.
Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.
Percentage change in the number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline
Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of inflammatory acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in the number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Number of inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 - Number of inflammatory acne lesions at baseline) / Number of inflammatory acne lesions at baseline × 100%.
Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of inflammatory acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.
Percentage change in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline
Facial photographs of patients are taken before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. Dermatologists count the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions from these photographs. The percentage change in the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 relative to the baseline is calculated as: (Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at Week 8 - Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at baseline) / Number of non-inflammatory acne lesions at baseline × 100%.
Time frame: Facial photographs of the patients will be taken at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment, and the number of non-inflammatory acne lesions will be counted by dermatologists.
Changes in the relative abundance of Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Staphylococcus in acne-prone skin from baseline to Week 8
Skin microbiome samples are collected from acne lesions before treatment and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment. These samples are subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing to detect the presence and relative abundance of various bacterial taxa in the affected areas following the intervention.
Time frame: Skin microbiome samples are collected from acne lesions at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after the initial treatment.
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Shenzhen People's Hospital